The Camden Riversharks defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs on August 31, by a final score of 4-3. Camden starter Kalen Gearhart (1-0) picked up the win, as he tossed 6 innings of shoutout baseball. Southern Maryland’s Randy Keisler (1-1) suffered the loss, as he gave up 4 runs and 7 hits in 6 innings of work.
With the win, the Riversharks’ season tally improves to 22-28, while the Blue Crabs fall to 30-18.
The Riversharks broke a scoreless tie in the second inning and took a 1-0 lead. With one out and runners on the corners, catcher John Purdom hit a sacrifice fly to right field, driving in Garrett Guzman and scoring the first run of the game.
Camden would double their advantage in the fourth inning, and take a 2-0 lead, courtesy of a double play ball by third baseman Brian Burgamy that scored Vito Chiaravalloti from third base.
The Sharks would add to their lead again in the sixth inning, and take a 4-0 lead. A wild pitch by Southern Maryland’s Randy Keisler would give Bryant Nelson a free pass home, and move Guzman into scoring position. Burgamy would then single to center field, plating Guzman, and giving the home team their fourth run of the night.
The Blue Crabs showed their grit and rallied in the seventh inning. An RBI single by catcher Octavio Martinez scored Richard Giannotti, and finally got the visitors on the scoreboard. After drawing back to back walks, Southern Maryland would bring two more runs across the plate, thanks to an error by Camden’s Brian Burgamy that made the score 4-3.
With a one run lead heading into the ninth inning, the Riversharks put the ball in the hands of closer Franklin Perez, who retired the side without any hiccups, and preserved the 4-3 win for the Sharks. The save was his third of the season.
The Riversharks and Blue Crabs will play game two of their four game series on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 7:05 pm. Right handed pitcher Kevin Mannix (2-2, 4.71) will take the mound for the Riversharks, and he will be opposed by righty Ryan Bicondoa (9-5, 4.52) from Southern Maryland.